Two sisters, 13-year-old Blair Harber and 11-year-old Brooke Harber, tragically lost their lives in the catastrophic flash floods that struck Texas Hill Country. Their bodies were found 15 miles downstream, still holding hands—a haunting and heartbreaking symbol that has moved people across the country.

The Harber family, visiting from Dallas, was vacationing in Hunt, Texas, at the Casa Bonita community when torrential rains turned deadly early Friday morning. Around 3:30 a.m., floodwaters broke through cabins, shattering windows and flooding rooms in minutes. In one of her final acts, young Brooke sent a message to her father and grandparents that simply read: “I love you.”

The girls were staying with their grandparents, Mike and Charlene Harber, in a separate cabin nearby. Meanwhile, parents RJ and Annie Harber were jolted awake by the flood and smashed a window to escape. Despite their panic and desperation, they were unable to reach their daughters due to the fast-rising waters.

Clinging to hope, the parents borrowed a neighbor’s kayak and tried to paddle through the raging current to the girls’ cabin. But the floodwaters were too powerful, forcing the couple to be rescued themselves hours later. The rescue crews continued searching tirelessly for their children.

After twelve excruciating hours, search teams discovered Blair and Brooke’s bodies downstream, their hands still clasped together. Their grandparents remain missing, adding further sorrow to the unfolding tragedy.

Both girls were beloved students at St. Rita’s Catholic School in Dallas, where their mother works. Blair was praised for her intelligence and gentle nature, while Brooke was known for her joyful spirit. The sisters had brought rosaries on their trip, a testament to their deep Catholic faith.

With more than 80 confirmed fatalities in the floods, the Harber sisters’ story has become a symbol of heartbreak. A GoFundMe page has been created to support the grieving family.